Lieutenant General Sir John Mace, an original member of the New Zealand Special Air Service who fought in the Malayan Emergency, Borneo, and Vietnam before rising to become Chief of Defence Staff, has died at age 94. His military career spanned operational service across decades, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff in 1987.
Early Military Career and Operational Service
Born on June 29, 1932, Mace built a distinguished combat record across multiple overseas deployments. As a young officer, he served with the “Originals,” a contingent that deployed from April 1956 to late 1957 on long-range jungle operations during the Malayan Emergency, an assignment that saw two New Zealanders killed. When the NZSAS reformed in 1959 after a brief period in abeyance, Mace returned to lead the squadron from 1960 to 1962 and again in 1965. Historian and lawyer Ron Crosby, author of NZSAS: The First Fifty Years, described Mace as “so essential” to the reformation and rejuvenation of the unit, helping establish standards of operational excellence that endured for generations.
In 1966, Mace served as a company commander with the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR) during the Confrontation with Indonesia in Borneo. A year later, as a major, he commanded Victor 1 Company, the first New Zealand infantry company sent to the Vietnam War. His Vietnam service earned him membership in the Order of the British Empire (MBE). According to the official citation, Mace personally scouted ahead of platoon ambushes and surprised two enemy soldiers, killing one and wounding the other.
Ascent to Chief of Defence Staff
Following his frontline service, Mace moved steadily through senior command appointments. He served as Director of Infantry and the NZSAS, commanding officer of 1RNZIR in Singapore, Commander New Zealand Force Southeast Asia, and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff. In 1984, he became Chief of the General Staff, and three years later, he was appointed Chief of Defence Staff. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1986 and knighted in 1990, retiring from military service the following year.
Current Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies described Mace as “a distinguished soldier who served New Zealand with professionalism and dedication.” Davies stated that the Defence Force extended its condolences to Mace’s family, friends, and those who served alongside him, remembering him with gratitude and respect for his leadership and commitment.
Did you know? In 2006, at age 73, Sir John Mace returned to 1RNZIR as its Honorary Colonel. The following year, he was still on parade at Linton Military Camp to present operational medals to a new generation of New Zealand soldiers.
Behind the Demanding Exterior: Personal Compassion
While soldiers who served under him recalled a “good boss” who was intensely private, outwardly demanding, and stern, those close to him also witnessed deep personal compassion. Major (retired) John “Jack” Hayes, who joined the NZSAS in 1969 and was mentored by Mace, recalled an incident in February 1973 in Malaysia when Lieutenant Denis Thomas was killed during a training exercise after being struck by an ammunition box dropped from a helicopter. Hayes noted that Mace “showed great compassion” with Thomas’ wife and family, standing in stark contrast to his reputation as a tough commander.
That profound sense of duty extended to fallen soldiers decades after active combat. In May 1956, Trooper Adrian “Charlie” Thomas became the first New Zealander killed in action in Malaya. During the overnight hours until Thomas died, Mace and Graeme Brighouse stayed by the wounded trooper. That moment remained private until 2018, when Thomas’ remains were repatriated to New Zealand under Te Auraki, the New Zealand Defence Force project returning military personnel and dependents buried overseas. At the homecoming ceremony in Northland, both Mace and Brighouse spoke, with Hayes recalling that “John stood there with tears running down his face.”
Tributes and Final Farewell
Mace maintained his connection to veterans late into life, working alongside Hayes—who served as a senior adviser to the NZDF on medals—to pursue appropriate official recognition for the “Originals.” Another senior former NZSAS figure described Mace’s foundational work with the regiment as “laying down the basis of a legend.”
Sir John Mace is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their two children. He is scheduled to be farewelled with a full military funeral at St Mary’s Cathedral in Parnell.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What conflicts did Sir John Mace serve in? Sir John Mace served in operational deployments during the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation in Borneo, and the Vietnam War.
- What was Sir John Mace’s highest military rank? He rose to become the Chief of Defence Staff, with the rank of Lieutenant General.
- What honors did he receive? He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his service in Vietnam, made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1986, and knighted in 1990.
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